Mahindra REVA looks to set up assembly unit in Australia

Mahindra REVA Electric Vehicles today said it is exploring possibilities to set up its first overseas assembly facility in Australia and a final decision will be taken within this year.

The company has tied up with the government of Victoria, Australia, to support a feasibility study to explore potential for research, supply chain development and manufacturing of clean technology vehicles there.

"We are looking at possibility to set up a local assembly unit in Victoria. A feasibility study is going on at present and it is expected to complete in the next six months," Mahindra REVA Electric Vehicles Chief of Strategy and Technology Chetan Maini said.

A final decision will be taken once the feasibility study is completed, he added.

Initially, the company will start exporting its future models to Australia from India to judge demand of its products there, he added.

"Our next product NXR will be launched later this year. Then, we will start exporting from next year to many markets and Australia is one of them," Maini said.

Currently, Mahindra REVA has its manufacturing facility only in Bangalore and is setting up its second unit at the same place.

Elaborating about the association with the local government in Australia, he said the MoUs are signed with two Victoria-based research organisations -- AutoCRC and La Trobe University's Centre for Technology Infusion.

"Our association with the State of Victoria will further enhance our capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Victoria to help make it the most desired destination for development of electric vehicles in Australia," Maini said.

Mahindra REVA's association with the AutoCRC will be for establishing an operational framework for an applied research programme, the domestic company said.

"The two-year MoU will facilitate the sharing of relevant confidential information and enable the two parties to establish specific project agreements under the applied research programme," it added.

The firm has entered into a three-year MoU with La Trobe University to facilitate collaborative research and development for new energy management technologies.

"The research programme will develop new concepts and techniques at the crossroads of high-efficiency building design, electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technologies," Mahindra REVA said.